Is Chief Minister Vijayan Ignoring Police Brutality?
Synopsis
In a bold move, V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition in Kerala, has called out Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his silence on alarming police brutality cases. With evidence mounting, will Vijayan finally take action or continue to evade accountability?
Key Takeaways
Satheesan criticizes CM Vijayan for silence on police brutality.
Calls for accountability and action against involved officers.
Incidents of custodial assault raise public concern.
Critique of media's lack of scrutiny on the Chief Minister.
Assembly session approaching amidst growing unrest.
Kochi, Sep 11 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, vocally criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday, accusing him of failing to act amidst increasing reports of police brutality across Kerala. This outburst followed a custodial assault incident at the Kunnamkulam Police Station that gained media attention. New allegations surfaced on Thursday claiming that police in Wayanad assaulted an individual merely for not wearing his mask correctly.
“There is undeniable evidence, including video footage from police stations obtained via the Right to Information Act, yet the Chief Minister, who also oversees the Home portfolio, has opted for silence. What is he shielding? Who does he fear?” Satheesan questioned.
He called for severe measures, including the termination of the officers involved.
“The Chief Minister has both a constitutional and moral obligation to react when allegations of custodial torture arise. Instead, he seems to evade accountability. If the State Police chief is speaking on his behalf, what is the need for political leadership? Shouldn't officials govern then?” a frustrated Satheesan remarked.
He also condemned the media for its apparent lack of scrutiny.
“When we delay a response even for a day, there’s a public outcry. Yet, the Chief Minister has remained silent about these violent incidents for days, with not a single evening debate taking place. Why this disparity?” he asked.
Furthermore, he accused the police of behaving more like a “criminal organization” than a law enforcement entity.
“Ordinary families' children are being brutally beaten, suffering atrocities not even inflicted on murderers or gangsters. In the TP murder case, police reportedly took the accused to luxury hotels and provided them with alcohol, while innocent individuals are being assaulted in custody. Is this what policing has come to, or is it simply a display of gang rule?” Satheesan demanded.
The Opposition Leader insisted that allegations related to the Home Department should be addressed directly by the Chief Minister, not by Education Minister V. Sivankutty or anyone else.
“We will ensure the Chief Minister is held accountable. He cannot evade this forever,” he asserted.
The Assembly is set to reconvene for a new session next week.
Point of View
It is essential to underscore the vital role of accountability in governance. The allegations of police brutality demand immediate and transparent action from leadership. The public deserves clarity and justice in these matters, reinforcing the principles of democracy and rule of law.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted V.D. Satheesan's criticism of CM Vijayan?
Satheesan criticized CM Vijayan due to his silence amidst rising reports of police brutality in Kerala, particularly following recent incidents of custodial assault.
What specific incidents of police brutality were mentioned?
The criticism followed a custodial assault at Kunnamkulam Police Station and allegations of police assaulting a man in Wayanad for not wearing a mask correctly.
What actions did Satheesan demand from the Chief Minister?
Satheesan called for severe actions against the officers involved, including termination, and insisted that the Chief Minister directly address allegations related to the Home Department.
How has the media reacted to these incidents?
Satheesan criticized the media for its lack of scrutiny over the Chief Minister's silence regarding these brutal incidents.
What is the current status of the Assembly in Kerala?
The Kerala Assembly is scheduled to meet for a new session next week, with calls for accountability in light of the recent allegations.
